Anthony Bishop remains focused on his hustle in Qatar, driven by the determination not to let his children experience the challenges he faced. Hailing from Kenya, Bishop successfully operates Jikoni restaurant in Qatar, specializing in Kenyan and East African delicacies.
Having become a hub of familiarity for Kenyans residing in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup, Jikoni restaurant has even hosted prominent figures like Willis Raburu and his colleagues from Citizen TV. In a recent interview with Citizen TV on December 6, the IT graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) shared that he currently employs a team of five, the majority of whom are fellow Kenyans.
Bishop’s journey began in 2016 when he relocated to Qatar in search of better opportunities. As his initial contract expired, he found himself compelled to explore alternative employment. During a challenging period, he considered returning to Kenya, but his mother’s reassurance kept him on course.
Collaborating with a friend from Pakistan who owned a restaurant, Bishop proposed dedicating Fridays to selling Kenyan delicacies. Despite initial hesitations from the Pakistani friend, the idea garnered positive reception, drawing many Kenyans to the eatery. Over time, Bishop decided to relocate to a spot near the majority of his clientele on Doha’s Old Airport street.
Jikoni restaurant specializes in various Kenyan dishes, such as githeri (Ksh670), mukimo (Ksh1,000), mutura (Ksh340), njahi (Ksh670), chapati (Ksh65), sukuma wiki (Ksh500), and matumbo (Ksh500). Notably, nearly 90 percent of the ingredients are sourced directly from Kenya to ensure authenticity.
Bishop emphasized the importance of resilience and tenacity, citing the example of Metro Man, an international sensation born out of unwavering dedication to one’s craft. Looking ahead, Bishop aspires to franchise his business and establish multiple branches in the next five years. He attributes his success to his ingenuity, interpersonal skills, and adaptability.
